Different countries, different customs: this also applies to the acquisition of a driver's license
Since January 1st, new guidelines for the driver's license test apply. Test drivers now have to answer questions on safety-related topics. For example, you should answer “What should be considered when driving in a roundabout?”, “How do you change lanes safely on the motorway, for example?” Or “What should be considered when turning right at an intersection?”. The aim is to counteract typical novice driver deficits and thus reduce the risk of accidents for novice drivers.
Which parts are different?
Doesn't sound too complicated. But what do buyers of driving licenses in other countries have to consider? What are the requirements and how does a practical driving test work? The British insurance broker Zuto has compiled and analyzed data and information on driving license challenges from 190 countries.
Before an exam can even be taken, a health test must first be taken in many countries. Such a test can be comparatively simple, as in Germany with an eye test, but it can also be quite complicated and extensive. In Nicaragua, for example, you have to pass an eight-page psychology test to identify potential traffic hooligans in good time and make it difficult for them to access the exam. In Montenegro, an ophthalmologist and psychiatrist is required before the exam. In Ecuador you have to pass psychometric tests on reflexes, sight and hearing beforehand.
Germany with few questions
The scope of the theoretical test also varies across the world. Vietnam tops the list with 450 questions, followed by China and Turkey with 100 questions each. Incidentally, in Germany there are only 35 questions that have to be answered within 45 minutes. In Kazakhstan and Russia, the examinees have to answer 95 percent of the questions asked correctly, Afghanistan (91%), Japan (90%), but also Portugal (90%) have high demands.
How many hours behind the wheel before the exam?
The requirements of the practical driving test also differ from country to country. In France, for example, learner drivers have to cover 3.000 kilometers with an instructor behind the wheel before they can even take their practical test. In Croatia, 70 to 100 hours of driving lessons are required before learner drivers are admitted to the practical test. In the practical test in India, on the other hand, the learner drivers only have to drive straight, turn left and stop after 50 meters to pass. The regulations in the Philippines are not really demanding. Here a loop of a given driving course is driven, which only includes right turns.
During his research, Zuto discovered some curious peculiarities relating to the driving test. Toy cars and a table top are used in the theoretical test in Kenya so that the examinees can demonstrate their knowledge of the traffic rules. In Andorra, the exam can only be taken on a Wednesday morning. In Libya, in addition to driving school teachers and students, a police officer and other driving students sit during the test. There is obviously a fear of fraud in Romania. The theoretical exam participants will be photographed three times during the test. This is to ensure that the candidate is actually the right one.